Member-only story

Justice for Laughing Boy: Exposing the Hidden Truth of a Child's Murder

Anton Foster

·17.8k Followers· Follow

Published in Justice For Laughing Boy: Connor Sparrowhawk A Death By Indifference

5 min read · 1 month before

289 View Claps

68 Respond

Save

Listen

In the heart-wrenching true crime book, "Justice for Laughing Boy," author David Gates delves into the unsolved murder of a young Native American boy named Laughing Boy. This powerful and disturbing account exposes the systemic racism and failures that have prevented his family from getting justice.

Justice for Laughing Boy: Connor Sparrowhawk - A Death by Indifference

by Sara Ryan

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1331 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	274 pages

Laughing Boy was just 11 years old when he was brutally murdered in 1985. His body was found in a remote area of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Despite the efforts of local law enforcement and the FBI, his killer has never been found.

Gates' book meticulously examines the investigação into Laughing Boy's murder, revealing the numerous missteps and missed opportunities that have allowed his killer to escape justice. He also shines a light on the systemic racism that permeates the criminal justice system in Indian Country, making it all the more difficult for Native American victims to get justice.

"Justice for Laughing Boy" is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, Native American issues, or the failures of the criminal justice system. Gates' powerful writing and meticulous research make this book a haunting and unforgettable account of a child's murder and the ongoing fight for justice.

The Unsolved Murder of Laughing Boy

On the morning of September 5, 1985, 11-year-old Laughing Boy left his home on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to go to school. He never made it.

Later that day, Laughing Boy's body was found in a remote area of the reservation. He had been stabbed multiple times in the chest. The investigation into his murder quickly became a top priority for local law enforcement and the FBI.

However, despite the efforts of investigators, Laughing Boy's killer has never been found. Over the years, there have been several suspects, but no one has ever been charged with the crime.

The Systemic Racism that Hinders Justice

The failure to solve Laughing Boy's murder is a glaring example of the systemic racism that permeates the criminal justice system in Indian Country. Native Americans are disproportionately victims of violent crime, and their cases are often given less attention and resources than those of white victims.

In the case of Laughing Boy, the investigation was hampered by a lack of resources and expertise. The FBI did not assign a full-time agent to the case until several months after Laughing Boy's body was found. And the local law enforcement agency was understaffed and ill-equipped to handle such a complex investigation.

The systemic racism in the criminal justice system also made it more difficult for Laughing Boy's family to get justice. They were not given adequate information about the investigation, and they were often treated with disrespect by law enforcement officials.

The Ongoing Fight for Justice

Despite the setbacks, Laughing Boy's family has never given up hope of finding his killer and getting justice. They have worked tirelessly to keep his case in the public eye, and they have lobbied for changes to the criminal justice system in Indian Country.

In recent years, there has been some progress in the case. In 2019, the FBI announced that it was reopening the investigation into Laughing Boy's murder. And in 2021, the Department of Justice created a new unit to investigate unsolved murders of Native Americans.

These are small steps, but they are a sign of hope that justice for Laughing Boy may finally be within reach.

"Justice for Laughing Boy" is a powerful and disturbing account of a child's murder and the ongoing fight for justice. David Gates' meticulous research and haunting writing make this book a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, Native American issues, or the failures of the criminal justice system.

By shining a light on this case, Gates helps to raise awareness of the systemic racism that permeates the criminal justice system in Indian Country. He also gives hope to Laughing Boy's family and to all those who are fighting for justice for Native American victims.

Free Download your copy of "Justice for Laughing Boy" today and join the fight for justice.

Justice for Laughing Boy: Connor Sparrowhawk - A Death by Indifference

by Sara Ryan

4.9 out of 5